From bidets to baseball magic: How Munetaka Murakami and the White Sox turned their season around

Munetaka Murakami's $34M contract and magical wand helped revive the Chicago White Sox, now in the ALCS race.

October 6, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Chicago, United States — The Chicago White Sox have experienced a stunning turnaround this season, fueled by Japanese star Munetaka Murakami and an unusual mix of tradition, humor, and superstition.

Murakami, who signed a $34 million deal with the team in December, made headlines not just for his powerful performance at the plate but also for requesting TOTO Washlet bidet seats in the clubhouse. Since his arrival, the White Sox have transformed from a struggling franchise into a playoff contender, on the verge of the American League Championship Series.

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The 26-year-old slugger, known for his towering home runs and charismatic personality, has become a fan favorite. His viral quote “I am Japaneeeeese!” after a playoff win captured the attention of fans across the league. Meanwhile, a toy wand used as a good luck charm by pitcher Mike Vasil has become a symbol of the team’s unexpected success, helping them rebound from three consecutive 100-loss seasons.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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